Author: Ki McGraw

May the fourth is a great day for us all to remember the Force of Higher Consciousness within us. That animating force heals us and holds us in its power. We have only to look within, and process all of our material so that we can get aligned with it.

I’m blessed to have centered my life on that Force with Hatha Yoga. From my humble and dramatic, personal awakening at age 23 to the present moment, I’ve followed the urgings of that Force. I continue on any day of any calendar.

Have you awakened to that Force within your heart? What material do you need to process so that it no longer obscures that loving light within? Ki to Happiness grieves, and releases all falsehood so the Force of loving light heals, wholes, and holds me.

April flowers bring May showers? That’s a reversal on the old adage, which is presently occurring out my window. The flowers and trees are appreciating the rain, as am I

We like to say that all weather is good weather for yoga. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, anywhere, anytime, there’s a practice that helps us integrate body with mind and spirit. We welcome the rain today, as do the birds, trees, and blossoms.

What does your yoga practice require? Do you need special weather, clothing or props? Ki to Happiness needs only to breathe and remember. 

I have a new technical assistant updating my website. We made great progress yesterday. I couldn’t possibly do it without him.

Teaching my morning class after some fine-tuning with him and before meeting with him again, I especially appreciated my familiar process, bringing me the comfort of confidence. I understand that blogging on websites is becoming obsolete. That won’t deter me, as I preserve with many practices that some call outdated, like yoga itself.

Do you follow the trends? Or do you create your own? Ki to Happiness recognizes trends and listens to the wisdom of the ages in meditation, taking action as directed.

Our neighbors to the west spread mulch over the weekend, covering their parking strip. It inspired me to use some of the wood chips left behind from the city workers who have been trimming and topping our trees to safeguard the powerlines. I filled some grocery bags and carried them over and deposited them on our parking strip.

In doing so our neighbors to the east asked if they could do the same. I told him I didn’t know for sure, but I thought it was OK. They got busy on their project, and together there’s great progress on our block.

How good are your neighbors? When you let their good behaviors encourage yours, does that inspire others? Ki to Happiness notices the rippling effect of goodness.

While traveling, I had some technical difficulties. I managed them well enough, so you could know HYC classes continued without me. I even found a temporary solution and a tech assistant for my return.

We met yesterday after my morning practice. In 70 minutes, we quit, having made no progress. Then, I checked one more time and found the issue to be resolved.

How does your yoga practice sustain you as you are dealing with difficulties? Do you notice an increase in patient persistence?Ki to Happiness steadily applies the principles of yoga to modern life.

Bob’s evening class had light attendance. As I participated, I especially appreciated the time and space in which to be gentle with myself. Without stress, I followed his general instructions, enjoying the ritual of tending to my physical body, the temple of my spirit.

As we sat for Pranayama and meditation, my spirit felt at home in its good enough temple. Pain free, strong and flexible I breathed in the nourishment of peace and presence. Rewarded for my commitment and diligence, I choose to continue with the life I’ve grown to know so well.

Can you be gentle with yourself? What rewards do you experience from your life choices? Ki to Happiness chooses the yoga lifestyle again and again.

With our lawyer present, we signed our new lease. In celebration, we added more flowers to our container garden efforts to grace the deck and ramp, welcoming students. I also made golden elixir enough to share with our community.

Bob and I reflected on our 3 years here, reviewing our first leasing period. We arrived mid Covid, still observing restrictions, and dealing with a lot of social unrest, manifesting as unhoused drug addicts encamping on our block. Now, flowers and birds replace the riffraff as our happy cats greet neighbors, clients, students and friends with full restriction free classes ongoing.

What are your plans for the next five years? What progress do you see in the last 5 years? Ki to Happiness celebrates progress with deeper commitment.

We enter into the lunar cycle of Taurus today, ushering in abundant Spring energy. Beautiful flowers, birds mating, and fresh air remind me to set intentions for new grounding and growth. Removing unwanted energies, thorough cleaning and deadheading our garden prepared the way.

Bob participated by learning how to use the damp mop for the first time since moving here 2 1/2 years ago. Together with anniversary flowers and extra affection, we intend to experience wealth and health enough to share with our whole community. Soon our new exchanges begin with assistance cleaning and technical support.

What abundance do you intend to experience? What energy do you need to release in order to clear the way for manifesting health and wealth? Ki to Happiness invites you to share in our abundant blessings.

Bob and I celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary today . With it comes joyous memories of our early years. They have sustained us through the many trials and tribulations that most marriages face.

Our common values of yoga, vegetarianism and spirituality continue to keep us committed to each other “as long as possible” which was our vow 23 years ago. So far, it is still possible. We share the fruits of our union with our beloved Hatha Yoga Center community.

What are your highest values? With whom do you share them? Ki to Happiness shares the joy of mutual support in our committed relationship with students, clients and friends who also value the yogic lifestyle.

I returned to Seattle during Bob’s 5:30 class time. The students applauded my entrance to the Hatha Yoga Center. I quietly retreated to our living space and greeted our 3 cats, singing their song, and lounging with them as we smelled each other, petting and purring.

I unpacked and settled into our rhythms. Bob and I went to our nearby park for a little fresh air as we caught up, updating the daily emails with the news of our time apart. This morning my yoga practices anchor my body mind spirit to my noble mission, reliable wherever I am.

How sweet is your home? What anchors you to your true purpose, your noble mission? Ki to Happiness is grateful for the sweet reunion with Hatha Yoga Center, our students, cats and Bob Smith.